Episode Transcript
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(01:32):
You may remember, Chloe, wetalked about car clubs a while back.
It was Black Beauty Jag Season2 Episode 13 Deborah said she will
add a link to that episode inthe show notes. Well, today we thought
we would dig a little deeperand specifically talk about JCNA.
We're exploring a world that'sreally driven by passion, precision
(01:55):
and, well, that unmistakablepurr of a Jaguar engine. We're talking
about the Jaguar Clubs ofNorth America, or JCNA.
That's right. And for anyoneout there who loves Jaguars, maybe
you own one, maybe you dreamof owning one, or maybe you just
appreciate incredibleautomotive history or aiming to give
you a real shortcut. Today,we'll unpack how an individual enthusiast
(02:20):
or even an existing Jaguarclub can become part of this amazing
network that spans the continent.
Yeah. Our mission for youtoday is to really get under the
hood of JCNA affiliation. Whatdoes it mean? What other maybe surprising
benefits and maybe mostimportantly, bring to life what it
actually feels like insidethese Jaguar communities across North
(02:43):
America. We've gatheredinsights from official JCNA documents,
done a deep dive into variouslocal club websites and even looked
at some fascinating internaldiscussions about what really makes
these groups tickled. So let'sdive in. Ok, when we talk about JCNA,
it's not just one giant club,is sounds more like a central hub.
(03:06):
The Jaguar Clubs of NorthAmerica was actually incorporated
way back in 1954. It reallyis. The central hub covers enthusiasts
across Canada, Mexico and theus. And here's the interesting part,
the key point really, to be aregistered JCNA member, you actually
joined one of its, I thinkit's 58 affiliated local clubs.
(03:28):
Exactly. And your membershipin that local club automatically
includes your JCNA membership.It's all integrated an ecosystem
like you said.
Yeah, but what's the real hookhere? Why would someone join or why
would a club want toaffiliate? What's the, you know,
the big draw beyond justhanging out with other Jaguar owners?
(03:52):
Seems like there's more to it.
Absolutely. That's where thebenefits really come into play. And
they are. Well, they're prettyextensive. Designed for every kind
of enthusiast, really. Let'smaybe break it down. What's in it
for individual members firstand then what does it do for the
(04:13):
clubs themselves?
Okay, so for individualmembers, it really boils down to
connection, knowledge andhonestly, peace of mind. You instantly
plug into this vibrantcommunity. You look at clubs like
the Jaguar Associate Group,they don't just meet occasionally.
They have monthly socialevents, day trips, multi day drives,
(04:35):
museum visits, keck sessions.So it's Very active. And you tap
into this pool of enthusiasts,right? Some folks have decades of
Jaguar experience. They'rethere for tips, questions. And it's
interesting, the San DiegoJaguar Club, which is one of the
oldest, one of the largesttoo, they actually welcome people
(04:56):
who don't even own a Jaguaryet. So the passion comes first.
Exactly. It's about the loveof the marquee. And then there's
the information side. Keepingthese amazing machines running, that's
huge. Members get an annualsubscription to the Jaguar Journal.
(05:16):
It's bi monthly, renownedpublication packed with regional,
continental, internationalinfo that alone people say is worth
a lot. Plus many local clubsdo their own thing too. Like the
Jaguar Club of Central Arizonahas the Desert Chat newsletter. The
Canadian XK Jaguar Registerhas their Classical Gas magazine,
(05:40):
usually electronic these days.And you get access to member only
website content. The JCNA Shopfor rare books, regalia, that sort
of thing. Ah yes, this iswhere it really helps owners, especially
with classic cars.
Ok, information is key, butwhat about the nuts and bolts, the
(06:02):
tricky technical stuff?
You get free 247 toll freeaccess to a Jaguar expert. The tech
line. Imagine having thatdirect line when you're stuck on
something tricky, that's huge.And beyond that, just free technical
advice from fellow members inyour club. And get this, a free tool
loan program from JCNA itself.It's not just about saving a few
(06:26):
bucks, it's about confidence,knowing you've got backup to maintain
and really enjoy your car.
(07:59):
Yeah, that's huge. That kindof expert access that sounds invaluable,
especially for older cars. Andare there more tangible like financial
perks to beyond the technical help?
Definitely there are realfinancial savings. Members can often
get discounts on parts, labor,sometimes merchandise from participating
(08:21):
Jaguar dealerships. And here'sone that might surprise some people.
After just six months ofcontinuous membership, you can get
an instant saving up to 1000on the final price when you buy or
lease a new Jaguar.
Wow. Even on new cars, that's significant.
It is. And for insurance, ifyou use Hagerty, they offer a 5 discount
(08:45):
through JCNA membership inmost places, most states and countries.
So it really is this mix ofcommunity learning, technical support
and actual financial benefits.That's quite a package for an individual
member. Let's flip the coin.What are the clubs themselves? If
you've got an independentJaguar club, why affiliate with JCNA?
(09:08):
What's the advantage for them?
For the clubs it's reallyabout, I'd say legitimacy, structure,
operational support and widerreach. Being a JCNA affiliate means
Your club's events, especiallythings like the Concours de la Gaulle,
follow established JCNA rules.And for listeners, the Concours de
(09:30):
la Gaulle. It's basically acompetition where Jaguars are judged
on condition, originality,adherence to factory spec. It's serious
stuff, right?
The beauty contest, but for authenticity.
Exactly. And clubs like, say,the Jaguar association of New England
or the Jaguar Drivers Club ofLong island, they make it clear their
(09:54):
concurs are judged by JCNArules that gives them a recognized
standard. Plus, clubs can gettheir events officially sanctioned
by JCNA. Get scores postednationally adds that official layer.
It sounds like JCNA provideskind of backbone, take some weight
off the local organizers. Ibet things like insurance for big
(10:17):
events are a huge deal.
Oh, absolutely huge. It's notjust a relief, it's often critical.
A major benefit is liabilityinsurance for all sanctioned JCNA
events. JCNA members get thiscovered. Local clubs like the Jaguar
Club, Southern New England orSan Diego, they often collect a small
(10:41):
fee, maybe 20, from non JCNAmembers entering their sanctioned
events just to cover thatinsurance cost.
Makes sense. Ensures the clubis protected totally.
So clubs can focus on puttingon a great event without that worry
hanging over them. And beyondinsurance, JCNA provides tons of
(11:02):
resources. They have adedicated concourse administrator
to help with sanctioning judgequalifications, scoring. Clubs get
rule books, trainingmaterials, online tests for judges,
forms for insurance requests,all the logistical stuff, and visibility,
too. Each affiliated club getsits own page on the main JCNA website
(11:26):
that helps people find them.The JCNA membership committee and
the regional directors, theyact as liaisons, offering advice
on recruitment, retention. Andfinally, this is really important.
Jaguar Land Rover isunderstandably, very protective of
its trademarks. The name ofthe Leaping Cat logo?
(11:47):
Oh, yeah, a bit.
But JCNA affiliate clubs cango through JCNA to get a proper legal
agreement to use thosetrademarks. That authorization is
key.
Okay. That support isincredibly comprehensive. So let's
say someone's listening. Theylove Jaguars, but there's no club
nearby. How do you actuallystart a new club and get it affiliated?
(12:12):
Sounds like a big job, but.But you said there's a path.
There absolutely is. JCNA haslaid out a very clear new club roadmap
process. It makes what seemsdaunting feel, well, doable. And
I think the real takeawayisn't just the steps, but that JCNA
gives you a contact, yourregional director, who basically
(12:33):
guides you through it.
Like a mentor for the club starter?
Pretty much. So step one isreally about scoping things out,
assessing the landscape andmaking Those first contacts. Is a
new club actually needed? Isthe nearest JCNA club, say over a
hundred miles away? Are thereJAG dealers within maybe 50 miles?
(12:56):
They can be gold mines forcontacts, places to leave flyers.
Good point. What if there areno dealers nearby?
Then you look at British orforeign car repair shops. Same idea.
The crucial thing iscontacting the JCNA membership committee
early on. They give you policyinfo, might know existing JCNA members
(13:20):
at large in your area, providebrochures, sample postcards, and
again that trademark thing.You have to go through JCNA for permission
to use the Jaguar name or logoright from the start.
Ok, so homework first, thenreach out to JCNA. Makes sense. What
comes next?
(13:42):
Next phase is really aboutbuilding momentum, building your
core group and you know,generating some buzz. You start reaching
out friends, anyone you knowwho likes Jags. This is where you
create your own simple promomaterials. Business cards, flyers.
Maybe need the temporary clubname, A quick blurb about what you
(14:02):
plan to do, social stuff, techhelp, drives, shows. And your contact
info, of course.
Where do you spread the word?
Everywhere. Go to other carshows, even if they're a bit of a
drive. Meet people, promote atlocal motor events, racing maybe.
(14:23):
JCNA even suggests checkingparking lots at nice restaurants
or malls for Jaguars. Andleaving a flyer.
(15:51):
Actually that initial researchready to use by the word guerrilla
marketing for J.
Globus announced it oncommunity bulletin boards too. Online
and physical ones. Once youget a few interested folks, hold
an informal meeting. You needat least four people willing to be
(16:13):
temporary president, VP,secretary, treasurer. Now, JCNA usually
wants 20 members foraffiliation, but they can make exceptions
sometimes. Communication iskey there.
And where do you meet?
Somewhere public. Easyparking. Maybe a Jags and Java to
(16:34):
coffee shop or wheels and wineat a local place. Keep a casual initially
and keep talking to the JCNAmembership committee and your regional
director throughout thisphase. They're your main support.
Keep them in the loop. Okay,Practical steps for finding people.
So you've got your core groupsome interest. What's the final push
(16:57):
to make it official?
The last phase is aboutformalizing everything and making
it sustainable. You'll needsomeone to handle a website. Doesn't
have to be an expert in thegroup. You can use external services
or free builders. Justremember to budget for any monthly
fees. Once you're approved asan affiliate, JCNA gives you that
(17:19):
page on their main site too.
And the legal stuff?
Yeah, can't avoid that. Likeregistering a car. Clubs have legal
requirements various by state,province, country, us, Mexico, Canada.
JCNA advises consulting aLawyer or accountant, be ready for
(17:42):
some business fees and plan tocollect dues to cover costs. Their
advice is basically keep calmand carry on. Just work through the
process. Using JCNA as aresource that roadmap.
It sounds thorough but alsovery supported. It's not just here's
the form, good luck. But let'smove beyond the steps and the the
(18:05):
impressive list of benefits.What's the actual feel like? The
day to day experience. You'velooked at clubs all over North America.
What really stands out aboutthe lifeblood, the spirit of this
JCNA community?
You know what's reallyfascinating is the sheer variety
within that shared love forJaguar. Clubs offer such a wide range
(18:25):
of things. We mentioned SanDiego, monthly socials, local drives,
overnight trips, tax sessions,their big annual concursions, even
formal holiday dinner dances.It's a full calendar. Then you look
up in Canada, the Canadian XKJaguar Register and Canadian Classic
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MG Club. They do specialevents like Christmas parties, annual
awards. It's dynamic. It goesway beyond just, you know, parking
cars in a field.
Wow. You mentioned the Kung KuDelegans being important. Let's talk
about that competitive side.What's the heart of it? How does
(19:08):
it really play out?
Oh, it's intense. In a goodway. Mostly it drives excellence.
The whole point of concurs is,as we said, is presenting Jags in
original factory spec. I readone quote from an enthusiast basically
saying, I want my car to bebetter than yours. And that's okay.
(19:31):
It's genuine competition. Itpushes people.
Any stories that illustrate that?
Yeah, there was one anecdoteabout a new guy really excited for
his first show. First thing aseasoned competitor says to him is,
you got the wrong radiator.
Ok, ouch. Bump into the clubright out that.
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Startling maybe, but that kindof direct feedback, it can ignite
this passion for reallylearning your car. Down to the last
details, style, improving it.There was another story. A guy with
a Jaguar 420G. It was the onlycar in its class. At a show, he got
an 88 points score. No firstplace trophy because it wasn't a
(20:18):
perfect 100.
Wow. Tough crowd. High standards.
Incredibly high standards. Andyou know that pursuit of perfection.
It even leads to internaldebates within JCNA, there's ongoing
discussion about maybe gettingtoo many 100 point scores in some
areas or consistency injudging across regions. People have
(20:43):
suggested things like modelspecific judge tests or having a
chief judge verify super highscores just to ensure fairness.
So it's a living system alwaysrefining itself.
Exactly. It shows they careabout the integrity of the competition.
And clubs like the one on Longisland, they proudly state their
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judges use JCNA rules thatentrants are competing for national
points, national recognition.
And this competition, itcrosses club lines too, right? It's
not just internal.
Oh yeah, absolutely. That's agreat part of it. You see fantastic
cross club participation.Members from the Canadian XK Jaguar
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register, for instance. Theyscore really well. Perfect tens,
sometimes even in the driven.
Division to your division.What's that?
Oh, that's for cars thataren't just trailer queens, you know,
cars that are actually drivenregularly. So getting a perfect score
there is quite something. Andthey achieve these scores not just
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at their own clubs, concurs,but at events hosted by sister clubs
like down in Victoria orSeattle. It really shows that in
a regional community, that's fantastic.
It sounds like the Conqueror'sis definitely a serious, high stakes
part of the culture. But Iimagine it's not all serious judging
and points deductions. Theremust be a lighter side too.
(22:13):
It's not all about polishingchrome until your fingers bleed.
There's plenty of fun, quirkystuff too. There was a story about
one of the participants takinghis goldfish. Those are the kinds
of fun, shared moments, theinside jokes that build real camaraderie,
makes it feel less like just acar club and more like, well, family
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sometimes. And beyond the bigstructured events, you see these
informal gatherings popping upmore and more. Things like carbs
and coffee are populareverywhere now. Exactly. Often no
fees, no pre registration,just a relaxed way for enthusiasts
to get together, share theircars and their stories with like
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minded people. As onedescription put it, without all the
structure of a formal carshow, it shows how the ways people
connect over their passion arealways evolving.
Wow. Hearing all this, whatreally hits me is just how well,
how complete the wholeecosystem feels. Whether you're deep
into Conker's prep or you justneed advice on a weird noise your
F-Type is making, or maybe youjust want to find other people who
(23:19):
get your obsession. A JCNAaffiliated club seems to offer this
really unique, incrediblyrewarding experience. It genuinely
feels like a shortcut to beingplugged into the Jaguar world.
It really does. And you know,bring up a bigger question. I think
in a world that's increasinglydigital, where we connect online
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so much, what's the enduringvalue of these physical communities,
these Jaguar clubs, what dothey offer for preserving not just
the cars, the metal, themechanics, but the culture, the stories,
the shared history of amarquee like Jaguar? We've looked
at the structure, the reallycomprehensive benefits, the lively
(24:02):
spirit inside these clubsacross borders. Hopefully we sparked
some thoughts for you listening.
Absolutely. So if you are aJaguar enthusiast out there, we really
would encourage you check outthe JCNA website, find a local club
near you. Or maybe, justmaybe, think about starting that
journey of creating oneyourself. Seems like the community
(24:23):
is definitely with that.
We are wrapping up anotherpodcast here at Black Beauty Jag
and we want to wish you wellon behalf of Michael and Deborah
and Trudy to be safe.
Oh absolutely. We wanteveryone to be safe and to enjoy
their time in their jaguarsand come back and join us next week
here on the Black Beauty Jagpodcast. Cheerio.